The Trojans last faced the Rams in the 2020 Region 5 Sub-State Championship. The two teams haven’t competed against each other in a regular game season since 2017. In spite of the Trojans’ aggressive defense right after tip off,  Southeast Polk ultimately secured the victory at the Jan. 2 game. 

In the first quarter West steadily trailed Southeast Polk by a few buckets, beginning to pick up the pace towards the end of the second quarter. Despite their forceful defense, the Trojans were still down at the half 23-28.

After a needed restart following halftime, the Trojans fed off the energy-filled gym after multiple three’s from Audrey Koch ’21 and kept their offense intact. They managed to close the score gap 38-40 in the third quarter.

Thirty seconds into the fourth quarter, Matayia Tellis ’21 suffered a knee injury and was out for the rest of the game, returning later on crutches to cheer on and support her teammates. With the unexpected injury the Trojans seemed to burn out, leaving a bigger score gap of 41-51 with roughly three minutes left in the game. A timeout following a three-pointer by Koch was all the push the girls needed to get back into a winning headspace. A pair of layups from Meena Tate ’23 boosted the Trojans 47-53. Once again finding the same energy they had in the third, the score gap was closed to 53-56. In the end, the Rams’ defense was too aggressive, causing multiple fouls from the Trojans and ultimately ending the game at 53-59. 

The girls basketball team next plays at Xavier High School Jan. 5. and will return to their home court Jan. 12 taking on Dubuque Hempstead.

Gallery • 15 Photos

Alyssa Skala

Audrey Koch ‘21 swings the ball around Southeast Polk defense for two points Jan. 2.